No Fire Zone: The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka
No Fire Zone: The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka charts the final weeks of perhaps the most misunderstood and least mainstream covered conflicts of our time, the Sri Lankan Civil War. This war was conducted in secret with the Sri Lankan government booting the UN and foreign press reporters from the combat zone. More than 70,000 civilians lost their lives during this 26-year long war, but most of these deaths occurred during illegal government shelling that took place in its final months. Director Callum Macrae chronicles the final months of the battle with footage and interviews from both sides of the war.
This is a grizzly and unflinching look at the conflict compiled from survivors, soldiers and UN workers that paints a brutal picture that most have never seen. The actions of the despicable Sri Lankan government are brought under heavy scrutiny from the filmmakers, but they also make sure to detail the opposition Tamil Tiger`s blame and fault in the conflict as well. Even with astoundingly horrific imagery that makes the film incredibly tough to watch, it proves to be an extremely informative documentary that is able to back up the points it makes with documented footage that pulls no punches. Be aware though, the film is definitely not for the faint of heart. But for with the stomach and compassion to get through the material it proves rewarding.
Sagrada: The Mystery Of Creation
Originally conceived 125 years ago, the Sagrada Família cathedral in Barcelona was the brain-child of the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi and has been under-construction ever since. A variety of individuals have guided its construction over the years, but it’s still only half complete. The making of this unique and fascinating building has spanned multiple wars, survived economical roadblocks, and conflicting directions under the guidance of unique visionaries. Thousands of workers have contributed their blood, sweat and tears to its existence.
Sagrada attempts to link the building itself as a metaphor of creationism, using Gaudi`s strong beliefs in design reflecting God`s creations and natural elements of the world instead of attempting to become a creator and ‘play god’ himself. The biggest issues lie in the incredibly dense subject matter and the ‘dry as unbuttered toast’ telling of the story on display. The film relies on a typical talking head interview style with some archival photos and stories to fill in the background of the church, leading to a methodical pacing that emulates the snail’s pace of the building of the cathedral itself. The film will hold interest for those who take an immediate interest in the story or already have that interest heading in, but it’s unlikely to persuade the rest of the audience to invest their time.
Also on at The Bloor this week:
A renewed engagement for The Ghosts in Our Machine (July 2nd-4th)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to The Bloor stage on Friday at 11:30 with a special guest this time: Rocky’s Director of Photography, Peter Suchitzky (who also shot The Empire Strikes Back, Mars Attacks!, Eastern Promises, Cosmopolis, After Earth, and dozens and dozens more).
On Sunday, revel in the long weekend with a special Canada Day Campfire Party and a screening of the Canadian comedy classic Meatballs. For $20 ($17 for members), you get the movie AND two drink tickets. Doors open at 8:30, show starts at 9:30.
